A special program focusing on livestock development, animal health, breeding, modern livestock management, and facilities available to livestock farmers was broadcast on Radio Pakistan Sargodha’s FM 101 flagship program, “Shaheen Sargodha.” The program featured Dr. Naila Maqsood, Additional Director Livestock Sargodha, as the guest speaker.
During the discussion, Dr. Naila Maqsood provided detailed information about the scope, responsibilities, and services of the Livestock Department, as well as the facilities being provided across various tehsils of Sargodha district. She stated that the department is actively engaged in ensuring animal health, veterinary treatment, vaccination, breeding services, and technical guidance for livestock farmers. She also highlighted that field staff are regularly visiting rural areas to provide services directly to farmers.
Speaking about modern breeding initiatives, Dr. Maqsood emphasized the importance of advanced breeding programs and Artificial Insemination. She explained that the use of modern techniques is helping promote superior animal breeds and significantly increase milk and meat production.
Addressing the ongoing heatwave, she advised livestock farmers to ensure that animals have constant access to clean and cool drinking water, are kept in shaded areas during extreme heat, receive green fodder, and are fed during the cooler hours of the morning and evening. She noted that proper nutrition, adequate water supply, and effective management play a crucial role in protecting animals from the adverse effects of extreme temperatures.
The program also included awareness sessions on silage, balanced nutrition, animal dietary requirements, preventive vaccination, and the control and timely treatment of diseases, including Hemorrhagic Septicemia (Gal Ghotu). Information was also provided on maintaining healthy livestock and improving productivity through proper management practices.
Discussing sheep and goat farming, Dr. Naila Maqsood stated that the sector is an important component of the rural economy and can be made more profitable through improved breeding, proper care, and the adoption of modern farming techniques.
She further informed listeners that the Livestock Department is providing a range of diagnostic and veterinary treatment facilities to the public. Ultrasound and several other veterinary services are available at the tehsil level, while efforts are underway to introduce additional modern diagnostic facilities in the future.
During the live program, numerous callers participated by asking questions over the telephone, which were answered in detail by the guest. Information regarding the Livestock Department’s helpline and public outreach services was also shared with listeners.
Dr. Naila Maqsood remarked that Radio Pakistan has always played a vital role in promoting public awareness and that such programs serve as an effective platform for delivering useful information to the community.
The program was hosted by Sabtain Baloch, while Noman Shafiq provided Facebook support. Rana Qaiser Waqas performed the duties of Studio Engineer. The program was produced by Muhammad Jamshed Qadri, and Fariha Kanwal served as the Executive Producer.
